Zippcart’s smart, offline device, which attaches to a shopping cart, aims to do for small retailers what Amazon Go did for automation—but without the internet
Nigerian startup Zippcart has launched a smart self-checkout device designed to streamline retail transactions and tackle the persistent problem of long queues and inefficient manual payment processes.
The company’s founder, Blessed Pepple, said the solution is designed for stores that cannot afford complex or internet-dependent systems. “Our solution is fully offline, affordable, and plug-and-play – no need for internet, cloud, or costly integrations. It’s Amazon Go, reimagined for Africa – simple, scalable, and built for real-world adoption,” Pepple said.
The device, which attaches directly to a shopping cart, allows customers to scan products as they shop rather than at a traditional checkout counter. Equipped with its own sensing technology, the device updates the spending total in real time, giving shoppers immediate visibility into their cart. Once finished, payment is instant via a unique QR code generated by the device.
“At the cashier point, there’s no need to rescan the cart data syncs offline to a local PC, and a receipt prints immediately,” Pepple explained. This autonomous functionality is particularly vital for the African market, where internet connectivity can be unstable or unavailable.
By simplifying and speeding up the payment process, the Zippcart solution not only improves the customer experience but also helps retailers reduce operational costs associated with managing queues and cashier staff.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
• Government unveils 12 flagship projects as part of its digital roadmap to 2030.
• Priorities include nationwide connectivity, data sovereignty, digital ID, and cashless payments.
• Plans also target cybersecurity, AI adoption, IT talent development, and digital literacy.
Burkina Faso has set out a digital transformation roadmap with 12 major projects aimed at accelerating its shift to a modern economy and improving governance. The plan was presented on Monday, August 25, during a government seminar on digital transformation under the theme On the Road to 2030 (En route pour 2030).
The first initiative targets the elimination of “white zones” to ensure nationwide connectivity. It also seeks to repatriate and secure all sensitive data under the principle of “zero data abroad,” guaranteeing that national information is hosted locally. Alongside this, the government pledged to connect every public building through a “zero building unconnected” policy, and to phase out paper use in administration under the “zero paper” initiative.
Digital financial transactions form another central pillar, with the “zero cash” plan aiming to make all public payments cashless. Cybersecurity has also been elevated as a national priority through the “zero unprotected critical infrastructure” program to guard against cyber threats. To support these reforms, authorities plan to provide every citizen with a unique digital identity to serve as a gateway to public and financial services.
Inclusivity is another key goal. The government aims to ensure equal access to public digital services, including in rural areas, while building a critical mass of IT talent through training programs for youth and professionals. Improving telecom quality and access is seen as essential for fostering innovation.
Artificial intelligence also features in the agenda, with plans to use AI in priority sectors such as education, health, and security. The government further intends to promote digital literacy to prepare the population for full participation in the new economy.
These 12 projects build on the National Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy (SN@DEN), designed to make digital technology a driver of modernization. According to the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), active SIM cards across the three mobile networks reached 27.36 million in the second quarter of 2024. At the same time, 18.94 million subscribers had internet access via mobile technologies, confirming the central role of connectivity in the country’s digital transformation.
While these figures show progress, the success of Burkina Faso’s digital transformation will depend on how effectively the government implements the 12 projects in a coordinated and inclusive manner. This approach is expected to help the country harness digital technology as a lever for economic growth, administrative efficiency, and social inclusion.
Samira Njoya
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Thato Kasongo, founder of Mohiri, leverages AI to streamline job matching in Botswana.
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Mohiri, established in 2017, offers personalized job alerts, enhancing efficiency for job seekers and recruiters.
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Kasongo aims to combat high unemployment through digital solutions, creating over 2,000 direct jobs.
Thato Kasongo, a Botswanan entrepreneur, is transforming the recruitment and job search sector through Mohiri, an intelligent digital platform utilizing artificial intelligence to automate the connection between job seekers and employers.
Founded in 2017, Mohiri provides a solution based on personalized alerts that precisely match candidate profiles, thereby facilitating access to relevant job opportunities. This system alleviates the typical constraints encountered in job searching, making the process more intuitive, rapid, and efficient for both applicants and recruiters.
"We were motivated by the high levels of unemployment in our country. We then developed a technology capable of solving this problem by using the Internet and digital tools to bring solutions directly to users," stated Thato Kasongo.
In addition to his role at Mohiri, Kasongo serves as the General Manager of Angular Creative Labs, a Botswanan IT assistance and services company. He is also a board member of BA Isago University and is responsible for business development at Virality Media in South Africa. Kasongo holds a Master's degree in Finance and Strategy from Manchester Metropolitan University, obtained in 2024.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Africa’s digital content market hits $5.1B, may reach $30B by 2032
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Growth fueled by youth, internet access, and social media use
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Monetization uneven; most creators earn under $62 monthly
Africa's digital content creation market is valued at $5.10 billion in 2025 and could reach nearly $30 billion by 2032, according to projections from the analytics firm Coherent Market Insights. With an estimated annual growth rate of 28.9%, the continent is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic hubs in the global creator economy.
This growth is driven by several key factors, starting with Africa's youth population. Nearly 60% of residents are under the age of 25, a generation that is highly connected and consumes digital content. The increasing access to the internet and the high penetration of smartphones have also paved the way for an explosion in content production. Social networks from Facebook to Instagram and YouTube act as catalysts for this economy, joined by local platforms like Boomplay and Mdundo, which enhance opportunities for distribution and monetization.
According to the study, the continent now accounts for 17% of the world's internet users and has approximately 385 million active social media users, a penetration rate of 27.7%. This momentum is fueling a rapid diversification of business models, including online videos, music, tutorials, podcasts, and influencer campaigns, as well as entrepreneurial ventures such as digital agencies, production studios, and digital training academies. Some creators are managing to generate several thousand dollars a month from YouTube alone, confirming the potential of this economy.
However, significant challenges remain. Monetization is highly uneven, with more than half of African creators earning less than $62 per month—a figure far below their potential. Low advertising rates on the continent limit financial returns, while the gradual saturation of platforms, regulatory uncertainties, and a lack of structured support mechanisms are hindering the emergence of viable ecosystems.
To transform this momentum into a genuine economic driver, Africa will need to strengthen digital infrastructure, encourage partnerships between platforms and local players, and, most importantly, create environments that are conducive to innovation and equitable monetization. This also requires better regulation, including copyright protection, adapted tax policies, and transparent compensation models.
Samira Njoya
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Nigeria to launch Data Exchange Platform by end of 2025
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NGDX to centralize secure data sharing across government, businesses
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Part of digital drive aiming ICT to reach 22% of GDP by 2027
The Nigerian government is preparing to launch the Nigerian Data Exchange Platform (NGDX), a digital infrastructure designed to centralize and secure data sharing between government agencies and businesses. The platform is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
The initiative was discussed on Monday, August 25, at a workshop in Abuja that brought together stakeholders and international partners, including the European Union, Finland, and Estonia. In a post on X, Minister of Digital Economy Bosun Tijani explained that the NGDX will facilitate secure data sharing, stimulate innovation and inclusive growth, and offer citizens faster, more reliable services while ensuring privacy and data security.
The platform is part of the Nigerian government's digital transformation efforts to simplify administrative procedures, reduce inefficiencies, and boost innovation in sectors like health, agriculture, fintech, and education. Once operational, it will, for example, prevent citizens from having to repeatedly enter the same personal information for different government services.
"We've seen how interoperability transformed financial services through NIBSS. NGDX will extend that power across our entire economy," Tijani said, referring to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System. Nigerian authorities are aiming for information and communication technologies (ICT) to contribute 22% to the country's GDP by 2027.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
A finance specialist, she is using technology to transform the mental health sector and address the growing psychological challenges faced by the population.
Onkgopotse Khumalo, a finance graduate and entrepreneur from South Africa, is the founder and CEO of Amari Health, a digital mental health startup.
Founded in 2019 as The Pocket Couch, Amari Health aims to improve access to mental healthcare in Africa through a digital platform that is accessible and adapted to local cultural contexts.
The platform uses advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to connect users with qualified mental health professionals in under five minutes. It offers services in several South African languages, reflecting a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. This approach is designed to overcome traditional barriers to care, such as high costs, social stigma, and the scarcity of specialized services.
Amari Health serves both individuals and companies that want to offer psychological support to their employees. The startup’s digital tools provide personalized tracking and daily mental wellness management.
Before creating Amari Health, Khumalo founded Sequoia Consulting Services, a business support company, in 2018, where she served as CEO until 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Cape Town, which she earned in 2013.
After graduating, she joined the investment management firm Afena Capital in 2014 as an investment analyst intern. She also worked as an investment analyst at financial services company Absa Group. In 2016, she joined the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company as a management consultant. In 2018, she worked as a special projects manager for the Awethu Project Holdings incubator.
Melchior Koba
Hypeo AI, a digital solution developed by Moroccan startup Phoenix AI, uses artificial intelligence to help companies connect with real and virtual influencers. The Casablanca-based startup was founded in 2024 by Meriam Bessa, Oussama Sekkat, and Salah Eddine Mimouni.
"Our region has no shortage of talent. What was missing was an intelligent infrastructure," Meriam Bessa said. "We are developing tools that allow brands and creators to meet more quickly, match better, and work smarter through the power of AI."
Hypeo AI streamlines the creation, management, and tracking of online marketing campaigns. Brands can automatically identify influencers who are a perfect match for their image, get tailored price recommendations, generate personalized briefs and scripts, and monitor campaign performance in real time. This automation eliminates fragmented practices, manual tracking, and back-and-forth communication between platforms.
The solution's goal is to make influencer marketing a fluid, digital, and optimized process, providing regional companies and creators with accessible tools adapted to local realities. Through its infrastructure, Hypeo AI facilitates faster, fairer, and more organized interactions. The startup also has its own virtual influencers, including Kenza Layli and her 200,000 followers.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
eDariba is an Egyptian fintech startup with an all-in-one solution that centralizes and automates key aspects of tax compliance, positioning itself as an assistant for digital transformation in the field. The startup was founded in 2023 by Maged Rawash.
eDariba’s cloud-based platform covers the entire tax cycle, including the creation and submission of electronic invoices, VAT declarations, automated payrolls, advanced tax reports, and AI-assisted product coding. Data is synchronized in real time with the official Egyptian tax platform, ensuring continuous availability.
The service allows accounting firms to optimize their time, increase productivity, reduce the risk of errors, and ease administrative burdens.
The fintech, which complies with regulatory requirements, is supported by the Start IT (ITIDA) incubator, as part of a program designed to boost the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers. eDariba and seven other Egyptian startups received about 480,000 Egyptian pounds (around $9,900) in financial and technical support to help accelerate their adoption by businesses.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In August 2025, South African startup Flood secured a $2.5 million funding round from various angel investors to accelerate its expansion across the continent and beyond.
Flood, a digital solution from a South African startup, is helping telecommunications companies, banks, and other businesses instantly integrate commerce features into their existing applications. The company has developed a mobile-first, "SuperApp-as-a-Service" (S-AaaS) platform driven by an application programming interface (API), which allows for no-code integration. The Cape Town-based startup was founded in 2020 by André de Wet and Shashank Jain.
According to co-founder André de Wet, the platform aims to address a dual challenge: making small businesses more visible in the digital space while helping telecommunications companies and banks attract more engaged customers. De Wet explained that Flood adds a commerce layer to existing self-service apps, which helps increase platform usage by offering payment and loyalty features.
By targeting companies with a large user base, Flood provides an end-to-end e-commerce platform that handles products, services, payments, logistics, loyalty, and analytics. The platform connects online and offline commerce through key tools like rapid merchant onboarding, loyalty programs, product discovery, in-store pickup, QR codes, and real-time analytics.
The goal is to increase the visibility of brick-and-mortar small businesses on popular apps, digitizing a market that remains largely offline. This also transforms telecom and banking apps into local marketplaces. Currently operating in South Africa, India, and Singapore, the startup plans to expand to Ghana, Mauritius, Panama, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and Tanzania.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With stablecoin adoption accelerating worldwide — from cross-border remittances to B2B trade and payouts to gig workers — Mastercard is making a calculated bet that tokenized money will become a mainstream part of the payments landscape.
Mastercard and Circle, issuer of USDC stablecoin, have announced an expanded partnership that will allow acquiring banks in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) to settle transactions in USDC and EURC, fully reserved stablecoins issued by regulated Circle affiliates. The move, announced August 26, marks the first time acquirers in the region can settle directly in stablecoins, a milestone that could transform cross-border trade and digital payments.
“This partnership is a pivotal step toward truly borderless, real-time commerce,” said Kash Razzaghi, Chief Business Officer at Circle. “By leveraging Mastercard’s global network, we can extend the benefits of stablecoins beyond crypto-native use cases into mainstream finance.”
Dimitrios Dosis, president of Mastercard EEMEA, added: “Our work with Circle is part of Mastercard’s commitment to bring digital assets safely into the financial mainstream. By embedding compliance and trust into stablecoin settlement, we’re enabling faster, more secure transactions for businesses and consumers across the region.”
The launch comes at a crucial moment for the region. According to the World Bank, the global average cost of sending $200 stood at 6.4% in Q4 2023—more than double the UN SDG target of 3%. Digital remittances averaged 5% versus 7% for cash-based methods, highlighting the savings technology can deliver. Stablecoin settlement could lower costs even further while cutting transfer times from days to near real-time. For small businesses and merchants, this means quicker supplier payments, stronger cash flow, and greater protection against currency volatility.
Beyond remittances, the model could benefit gig workers, creators, and SMEs across EEMEA who struggle with delays and fees in receiving international payments. Faster, cheaper, and more secure payouts have a direct impact on household incomes and business growth.
The partnership builds on Mastercard’s broader digital asset strategy, supported by its Multi-Token Network, Crypto Credential, and Crypto Secure platforms. Stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to assets such as the U.S. dollar or euro—have gained traction as a reliable alternative to volatile tokens like Bitcoin. The sector’s market capitalization reached $166 billion by June 2025, according to the Stablecoin Industry Report: Q2 2025. In EEMEA, where inflation and costly remittances are persistent challenges, adoption is accelerating. Institutional moves like Mastercard and Circle’s expansion could push stablecoins firmly into mainstream finance.
For Mastercard, enabling regulated stablecoin settlement is not just a technical milestone but a strategic play to expand its role as a trusted bridge between blockchain and traditional finance, while tapping into new growth opportunities in emerging markets.
Hikmatu Bilali
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The MoU establishes a strong framework for collaboration in equipping Kenyans with internationally recognized digital skills certification, ensuring the country is well-positioned to harness digital opportunities and accelerate its path toward a knowledge-driven economy.
Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL) Africa, a digital literacy provider that offers certification programs that verify an individual’s proficiency in essential computer skills. The agreement, announced on August 26, was finalized at a ceremony held by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy (MICDE). It aims to advance digital skills development across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Secretary of MICDE underscored the government’s commitment to investing in digital infrastructure and the digitization of public services. He emphasized that building a digitally skilled population—particularly among the youth—will be critical for unlocking opportunities in the growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, as well as emerging fields such as software development and Artificial Intelligence.
“ICDL certification will play a vital role in developing the talent pool Kenya needs to compete and thrive in the digital economy,” the PS noted, adding that the Cabinet Minister has given full backing to the partnership.
ICDL CEO Damien reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting Kenya’s digital transformation journey: “A digital economy can only be achieved through digitally skilled people, and ICDL has been building those skills globally for many years.”
The MoU aligns closely with Kenya’s Digital Masterplan 2022–2032, which seeks to digitize 80% of government services over the next decade. While investments in infrastructure and platforms are critical, their impact depends on citizens and civil servants having the right skills to adopt and use them effectively. By introducing internationally recognized ICDL certification, the partnership ensures that Kenyans—particularly youth—are equipped with practical digital competencies in areas such as productivity tools, cybersecurity, and online collaboration.
This comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to position itself as a regional hub for digital and AI-driven governance. Just last week, the government launched an ambitious plan to equip 100,000 public servants with AI and digital competencies through the Regional Centre of Competence (RCOC) based at the Kenya School of Government for Digital and AI Skilling.
These efforts underline Kenya’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce and accelerating its digital transformation agenda.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Collins Fomba Ken founded Iwomi Technologies in 2015 to drive financial inclusion.
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The company develops digital banking platforms and consumer apps for payments and money transfers.
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Its products include mobile banking, loan management, instant remittances, and e-commerce tools.
Collins Fomba Ken, a Cameroonian computer engineer and entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Iwomi Technologies, a fintech company focused on building digital solutions for African banks and consumers.
Since its creation in 2015, Iwomi Technologies has developed platforms designed to improve financial inclusion and meet the needs of financial institutions as well as everyday users. The company offers a wide range of products and services.
For businesses, Iwomi provides Digital Banking Suite, a full-service platform that supports digital banking operations, and My Bank, a mobile and web application with an integrated wallet currently undergoing certification with Gimac, Visa, and MasterCard. Iwomi Core enables interoperability between banks and third-party services, while the Mosa system ensures secure processing and tracking of online bank loans, allowing clients to manage credit remotely.
For consumers, the company offers Softeller, an application for instant money transfers from abroad to mobile money accounts, mainly in Cameroon. It also provides bill payment services for utilities such as ENEO, Camwater, and Canal+, and IMarket, an e-commerce management platform that helps stores track orders and catalogs while offering installment payment options.
Fomba Ken holds a master’s degree in computer engineering from the National Advanced School of Engineering in Yaoundé, obtained in 2010. His career began in 2009 with an internship at Commercial Bank Cameroun. Between 2010 and 2012, he worked as a software engineer at Delta Informatique and Sopra Banking Software in France. After returning to Cameroon, he joined Société Commerciale de Banque (SCB Cameroun), where he served as a software engineer from 2012 to 2016.
With his startup ShipAfrica, he is betting that integrated logistics and payment tools can unlock e-commerce growth for small and medium-sized businesses.
Nigerian entrepreneur Walter Isoko is the founder and CEO of ShipAfrica, a technology company specializing in logistics and e-commerce solutions for the African market.
Launched in 2022, ShipAfrica offers integrated services for transportation, payments, and order management for both sellers and buyers on the continent. The company aims to address persistent supply chain and online commerce challenges in Africa. Its platform focuses on automating logistics workflows and simplifying payments, connecting small and medium-sized businesses to local and international markets with access to organized logistics and enhanced commercial visibility.
Before founding ShipAfrica, Isoko co-founded Flux Technology Africa in 2015, where he served as CEO until 2021. The company developed complex software systems and payment solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities, commercial banks, and public administrations.
Isoko, who holds a degree in mathematics and statistics from Ambrose Alli University in Nigeria, also served as a partner for technology and growth at Teksight Edge Ltd from 2018 to 2021. The agency collaborated with companies in finance, technology, energy, construction, and electronics. From 2021 to 2023, he was the director of growth and partnerships at Terminal Africa, a logistics platform.
From 2018 to 2021, Isoko was also an ambassador for the 25under25 Awards by SME100Africa, an initiative dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs on the continent.
Melchior Koba
The new platform from PayLogic enables interoperability between banks and mobile money wallets, a critical step for financial inclusion in a nation where cash is king.
Global payment solutions provider PayLogic announced on Monday the launch of the National Payment Switch, a new national payment system in the Comoros. The operational platform aims to reduce the country's reliance on cash and accelerate financial inclusion.
"The successful go-live of the National Payment Switch in Comoros reflects PayLogic’s commitment to advancing secure and interoperable payment infrastructure across emerging markets," said Mohamed Mekouar, PayLogic's executive chairman. "By partnering with central banks and financial institutions, we help deliver systems that drive inclusion, efficiency, and long-term financial innovation."
The platform provides interoperability between banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile money operators, enabling real-time digital transactions such as transfers, merchant payments, and remittances from the diaspora. The goal is to reduce dependency on cash and make financial services more accessible for both households and small businesses.
This initiative is part of the Financial Sector Development Support Project in the Comoros, which is backed by the World Bank. It comes as financial inclusion remains limited in the archipelago. To address this, the Central Bank has launched a policy of free bank account openings for individuals and fee-free money transfers for the diaspora. The objective is to raise the banking rate to 50% by the end of 2025.
However, several challenges could hinder the system's success. Internet penetration remains low at 35.7% as of early 2025, despite relatively high mobile coverage at 77.6%. Public distrust of digital payments could also slow adoption. The project's success will ultimately depend on financial institutions' ability to offer services that are accessible, affordable, and tailored to local needs.
With this launch, the Comoros joins a growing list of countries that have selected PayLogic as a partner for their national interoperable payment switches, including Lesotho, Eswatini, and six central African states through a regional switch.
Samira Njoya